Peak District Stone Circles
The Peak District is famous for its landscapes but also has a rich prehistoric heritage. Stone circles, burial mounds, and other prehistoric sites dot the landscape, yet most visitors only see the most famous sites like Arbor Low. This guide reveals the Peak District’s prehistoric heritage beyond the obvious, explaining what makes each site special and how to experience them.
Peak District’s Prehistoric Heritage
The Peak District’s prehistoric landscape spans thousands of years:
Neolithic Period (c.4000-2500 BC): Early farmers and communities created the first stone circles and burial mounds.
Bronze Age (c.2500-800 BC): Peak District’s most prolific prehistoric period, with numerous stone circles, barrows, and cairns.
Iron Age (c.800 BC-43 AD): Hillforts and settlements were built as communities became more established.
What makes the Peak District special is the concentration and quality of its prehistoric sites, particularly from the Bronze Age. The landscape still tells the story of these ancient communities.
Essential Prehistoric Sites
1. Arbor Low Stone Circle
Arbor Low is perhaps the Peak District’s most famous prehistoric site—a stone circle and henge built around 3000-2500 BC. The site includes a large stone circle surrounded by an earthwork henge.
What makes Arbor Low special is its scale and complexity. The henge is one of Britain’s largest, and the stone circle is particularly well-preserved. The site was likely used for religious ceremonies and astronomical observation.
Location: near Youlgreave, SK17 9RP
Access: From parking nearby, walk approximately 0.5 miles (15-20 minutes)
Opening: 24/7 access (land is open)
Cost: Free (National Trust, donations welcome)
What to expect: Large stone circle, earthwork henge, burial mounds. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Best for: Prehistoric enthusiasts and those interested in complex Bronze Age sites.
2. Nine Stones Circle
Nine Stones Circle is a small but atmospheric stone circle located on Stanton Moor. Despite its small size, the site has a powerful, ancient feeling and excellent views across surrounding moorland.
What makes Nine Stones special is its intimate setting and atmosphere. The site is on moorland with extensive views, creating a connection to landscape that larger sites sometimes lack.
Location: Stanton Moor, SK17 4DG
Access: From parking on moorland, walk approximately 0.5 miles (15-20 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, moorland setting, expansive views. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Best for: Those seeking atmospheric, intimate prehistoric sites.
3. Froggatt Stone Circle
Froggatt is a fine Bronze Age stone circle located on moorland north of Bakewell. The circle is well-preserved and sits in a dramatic moorland setting with views across the Peak District.
What makes Froggatt special is its location and preservation. The site is relatively remote and unspoiled, offering a sense of how prehistoric communities lived in wild moorland settings.
Location: near Bakewell, SK17 5HE
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 0.75 miles (20-25 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Well-preserved stone circle, moorland setting, Peak District views. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Those interested in remote, unspoiled prehistoric sites.
Hidden Prehistoric Gems
4. Doll Tor Stone Circle
Doll Tor is a small stone circle located in a dramatic setting on the moorlands north of Bakewell. The site is lesser-known but atmospheric and offers excellent moorland walking.
What makes Doll Tor special is its setting and atmosphere. The stone circle sits on a dramatic moorland with extensive views, creating a connection to landscape that larger sites sometimes lack.
Location: near Bakewell, SK17 7HE
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 1 mile (25-30 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, dramatic moorland setting. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Prehistoric enthusiasts who enjoy walking and atmospheric sites.
5. Nine Ladies Stone Circle
Nine Ladies is a small but atmospheric stone circle located on the moorlands west of Stanton in Peak. The site has a powerful, ancient feeling and is relatively under-visited.
What makes Nine Ladies special is its intimate atmosphere and character. The site is on remote moorland with extensive views, creating a sense of timelessness and isolation that larger sites sometimes lack.
Location: near Stanton in Peak, SK17 9DT
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 0.75 miles (20-25 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, moorland setting. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Those seeking intimate, atmospheric prehistoric sites.
6. Hurlers Hill Stone Circle
Hurlers Hill is a small stone circle located on the moorlands north of Youlgreave. The site is relatively unknown but offers excellent views and a sense of isolation.
What makes Hurlers Hill special is its location and views. The site sits on moorland with extensive views across the Peak District, creating a connection to landscape that’s particularly atmospheric at sunset.
Location: near Youlgreave, SK17 9QB
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 1 mile (25-30 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, extensive views. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Prehistoric enthusiasts who enjoy views and atmospheric sites.
7. Barbrook Stone Circle
Barbrook is a small stone circle located in a valley setting near Youlgreave. The site is relatively unknown but offers excellent accessibility and a different setting from the moorland circles.
What makes Barbrook special is its valley location and accessibility. Unlike many Peak District sites that require moorland walking, this site is accessible from a village and offers a different perspective on prehistoric life in valleys.
Location: near Youlgreave, SK17 9RP
Access: From village parking, walk approximately 0.5 miles (15 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (public paths)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, valley setting. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Best for: Those interested in accessible prehistoric sites and valley settings.
8. Roystone Grange Stone Circle
Roystone Grange is a small stone circle located on the moorlands near Youlgreave. The site is relatively unknown but offers excellent moorland walking and dramatic landscape.
What makes Roystone Grange special is its moorland setting and landscape. The site is on dramatic moorland with extensive views, creating a connection to landscape that’s particularly atmospheric in changing weather.
Location: near Youlgreave, SK17 9QU
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 1 mile (25-30 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, dramatic moorland. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Experienced prehistoric enthusiasts who enjoy challenging moorland walking.
9. Hargate Hillstone Circle
Hargate Hillstone Circle is a small stone circle located on moorland north of Bakewell. The site is relatively unknown but offers excellent moorland walking and views across the Peak District.
What makes Hargate Hill special is its moorland location and views. The site is on remote-feeling moorland with extensive views, creating a sense of isolation and wilderness that many Peak District prehistoric sites lack.
Location: near Bakewell, SK17 5HQ
Access: From moorland parking, walk approximately 1 mile (25-30 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (moorland land)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, moorland views. Allow 30-45 minutes including walking.
Best for: Prehistoric enthusiasts who enjoy remote-feeling sites.
10. Castle Naze Stone Circle
Castle Naze is a small stone circle located on a hilltop near Bakewell. The site is relatively unknown but offers excellent views and a different perspective on the Peak District.
What makes Castle Naze special is its hilltop location and views. The site sits on a hilltop with extensive views across the Peak District, creating a connection to landscape that’s particularly atmospheric at sunrise or sunset.
Location: near Bakewell, SK17 9HW
Access: From hill parking, walk approximately 0.5 miles (15 minutes)
Setting: 24/7 access (private land - respect boundaries)
Cost: Free
What to expect: Small stone circle, hilltop views. Allow 20-30 minutes.
Best for: Prehistoric enthusiasts who enjoy hilltop sites and views.
Prehistoric Walking Routes
1. Bakewell Prehistoric Walk
A walking route covering several prehistoric sites around Bakewell:
Start: Nine Stones Circle (allow 20-30 minutes)
Walk to: Froggatt (allow 20-25 minutes)
Walk to: Doll Tor (allow 30-45 minutes including walking)
End: Return to start point
Total distance: Approximately 3-4 miles
Total time: 2-3 hours (including walking between sites)
Total cost: Free
2. Youlgreave Prehistoric Walk
A walking route covering Arbor Low and surrounding sites:
Start: Arbor Low Stone Circle (allow 30-45 minutes)
Walk to: Hurlers Hill (allow 30-45 minutes including walking)
Walk to: Roystone Grange (allow 30-45 minutes including walking)
End: Return to Arbor Low
Total distance: Approximately 4-5 miles
Total time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Total cost: Free (Arbor Low accepts donations)
Prehistoric Site Types
Peak District prehistoric sites fall into several categories:
Stone Circles: Circular arrangements of standing stones, used for ceremonies and astronomical observation.
Henge Monuments: Earthwork enclosures, often circular, surrounding stone circles or burial sites.
Burial Mounds: Round barrows used for burial, particularly common during the Bronze Age.
Cairns: Stone-built tombs, particularly common during the Bronze Age.
Hillforts: Defensive settlements on hilltops, particularly from the Iron Age.
Each type provides different insights into how prehistoric communities lived, died, and worshipped.
Prehistoric Etiquette
Respect the Sites: Don’t climb on or damage the monuments. These are fragile ancient monuments.
Don’t Remove Anything: Never take artifacts, stones, or other items from prehistoric sites.
Respect Burial Sites: Many sites contain human remains. Treat them with respect and dignity.
Keep Noise Down: Many prehistoric sites are peaceful places. Keep voices down to preserve the atmosphere.
Respect Private Land: Many sites are on private land. Stay on public rights of way and respect boundaries.
Prehistoric Photography Tips
Arbor Low: The henge and stone circle are particularly spectacular when photographed in the golden hour light. Overcast days can be better for capturing details.
Stone Circles: Small circles like Nine Stones and Froggatt are atmospheric when photographed in moorland settings, especially in the mist.
Views: Sites like Hurlers Hill and Roystone Grange offer spectacular Peak District views. Use wide-angle lenses to capture the connection between site and landscape.
Seasons: Each season offers different photographic opportunities. Spring offers greenery and flowers, autumn offers dramatic colours, winter offers atmospheric light.
Seasonal Prehistoric Visits
Spring (March-May): Good weather for prehistoric walking. Spring flowers add colour to sites, and the landscape is lush and green.
Summer (June-August): Best weather, but prehistoric sites can be crowded. Early morning offers quieter periods.
Autumn (September-November): Good light for photography, cooler temperatures, and beautiful autumn colours.
Winter (December-February): Quietest time, but days are short and weather can be harsh. Sites are atmospheric in winter light and snow.
Combining Prehistoric Sites with Other Activities
The Peak District has more than just prehistoric sites:
Walking: The Peak District has extensive walking networks, with prehistoric sites often accessible by footpath.
Climbing: The Peak District is a major climbing area, with routes for all abilities.
Villages: Historic villages like Bakewell and Youlgreave offer amenities and character.
Landscape: The Peak District’s landscapes are spectacular, with dramatic moorland and views.
A Final Thought
The Peak District’s prehistoric sites are extraordinary—stone circles, burial mounds, and other monuments that tell the story of ancient communities who lived in this landscape thousands of years ago. While Arbor Low is deservedly famous, the Peak District has numerous other sites that are equally special and far less crowded.
The key to enjoying these prehistoric sites is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit Arbor Low—it’s essential prehistoric heritage. But also discover Nine Stones, Froggatt, and the many smaller circles that dot the Peak District landscape.
These prehistoric sites represent a connection to landscape and community that spans thousands of years. The people who built these monuments lived in a landscape they knew intimately, using natural features in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
So visit the Peak District’s prehistoric sites, explore beyond the obvious, and connect with an ancient landscape that has shaped human experience for millennia. The stones and earthworks that remain are monuments to communities that understood their landscape in ways we’re still learning to appreciate.
The Peak District’s prehistoric sites aren’t just ancient monuments—they’re connections to landscape and community that continue to inspire and mystify. Discover them and understand a deeper layer of the Peak District’s remarkable landscape.
This guide reveals the Peak District’s stone circles and prehistoric sites beyond Arbor Low, from Nine Stones to Froggatt, from burial mounds to hidden circles. The Peak District’s prehistoric heritage is rich and varied, with sites that connect landscape and community across millennia. Explore these ancient monuments and discover the Peak District’s deeper historical layer.